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Prajapati P, Kane S, McBrinn RC, Dean MS, Martins da Silva SJ, Brown SG. Elevated and Sustained Intracellular Calcium Signalling Is Necessary for Efficacious Induction of the Human Sperm Acrosome Reaction. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911253. [PMID: 36232560 PMCID: PMC9570455 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Progesterone and prostaglandin E1 are postulated to trigger the human sperm acrosome reaction (AR). However, their reported efficacy is very variable which likely, in part, reflects the plethora of experimental conditions and methodologies used to detect this physiologically relevant event. The purpose of this study was to develop an assay for the robust induction and objective measurement of the complete AR. Sperm from healthy volunteers or patients undertaking IVF were treated with a variety of ligands (progesterone, prostaglandin E1 or NH4Cl, alone or in combinations). AR, motility and intracellular calcium measurements were measured using flow cytometry, computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and fluorimetry, respectively. The AR was significantly increased by the simultaneous application of progesterone, prostaglandin E1 and NH4Cl, following an elevated and sustained intracellular calcium concentration. However, we observed notable inter- and intra-donor sample heterogeneity of the AR induction. When studying the patient samples, we found no relationship between the IVF fertilization rate and the AR. We conclude that progesterone and prostaglandin E1 alone do not significantly increase the percentage of live acrosome-reacted sperm. This assay has utility for drug discovery and sperm toxicology studies but is not predictive for IVF success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Prajapati
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Shruti Kane
- School of Applied Sciences, Abertay University, Dundee DD1 1HG, UK
| | | | - Morven S. Dean
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
- Assisted Conception Unit, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Sarah J. Martins da Silva
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
- Assisted Conception Unit, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Sean G. Brown
- School of Applied Sciences, Abertay University, Dundee DD1 1HG, UK
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2
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Birch MR, Johansen M, Skakkebæk NE, Andersson AM, Rehfeld A. In vitro investigation of endocrine disrupting effects of pesticides on Ca 2+-signaling in human sperm cells through actions on the sperm-specific and steroid-activated CatSper Ca 2+-channel. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 167:107399. [PMID: 35853389 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ca2+-signaling controls sperm cell functions necessary for successful fertilization. Multiple endocrine disrupting chemicals have been found to interfere with normal Ca2+-signaling in human sperm cells through an activation of the sperm-specific CatSper Ca2+-channel, which is vital for normal male fertility. OBJECTIVES We investigated 53 pesticides for their ability to interfere with CatSper mediated Ca2+-signaling and function in human sperm cells. METHODS Effects of the pesticides on Ca2+-signaling in human sperm cells were evaluated using a Ca2+-fluorometric assay. Effects via CatSper were assessed using the specific CatSper inhibitor RU1968. Effects on human sperm function and viability were assessed using an image cytometry-based acrosome reaction assay and the modified Kremer's sperm-mucus penetration assay. RESULTS 28 of 53 pesticides were found to induce Ca2+-signals in human sperm cells at 10 µM. The majority of these 28 active pesticides induced Ca2+-signals through CatSper and interfered with subsequent Ca2+-signals induced by the two endogenous CatSper ligands progesterone and prostaglandin E1. Multiple active pesticides were found to affect Ca2+-mediated sperm functions and viability at 10 µM. Low nM dose mixtures of the active pesticides alone or in combination with other environmental chemicals were found to significantly induce Ca2+-signals and inhibit Ca2+-signals induced subsequently by progesterone and prostaglandin E1. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that pesticides, both alone and in low nM dose mixtures, interfere with normal Ca2+-signaling in human sperm cells in vitro in low nM concentrations. Biomonitoring of the active pesticides in relevant matrices such as blood and reproductive fluids is very limited and the effects of real time human pesticide exposure on human sperm cells and fertility thus remains largely unknown. To which extent human pesticide exposure affects the chances of a successful fertilization in humans in vivo needs further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michala R Birch
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark; International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mathias Johansen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark; International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels E Skakkebæk
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark; International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna-Maria Andersson
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark; International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Rehfeld
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark; International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
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3
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Enoiu SI, Nygaard MB, Bungum M, Ziebe S, Petersen MR, Almstrup K. Expression of membrane fusion proteins in spermatozoa and total fertilisation failure during in vitro fertilisation. Andrology 2022; 10:1317-1327. [PMID: 35727923 PMCID: PMC9540887 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Background Couples increasingly experience infertility and seek help from assisted reproductive techniques to become pregnant. However, 5%–15% of the couples that are selected for in vitro fertilisation (IVF) experience a total fertilisation failure (TFF), where no zygotes develop despite oocytes and semen parameters appear to be normal. We hypothesise that TFF during IVF could be related to improper membrane fusion of gametes. Objective To investigate the membrane integrity and fusion proteins in spermatozoa from men in couples experiencing TFF. Materials and methods A total of 33 infertile couples, 17 of which experienced TFF during IVF and 16 matched control couples with normal IVF fertilisation rates, were selected and the men re‐called to deliver an additional semen sample. Proteins involved in gamete membrane fusion on spermatozoa (IZUMO1, SPESP1 and Syncytin‐1) as well as O‐glycosylation patterns (Tn and GALNT3), were investigated by immunofluorescence. The DNA fragmentation index, acrosomal integrity and viability of spermatozoa were determined by flow and image cytometry. Results No significant changes in the expression of GALNT3, Tn and Syncytin‐1 were observed between the TFF and control groups. The fraction of spermatozoa expressing SPESP1, the median IZUMO1 staining intensity, and the percentage of viable acrosome‐intact spermatozoa were significantly lower in the TFF group compared to controls. Furthermore, following progesterone‐induced acrosomal exocytosis, a significant difference in the fraction of spermatozoa expressing SPESP1 and the median IZUMO1 staining intensity were observed between the control and TFF group. Discussion and conclusion Our results indicate that acrosomal exocytosis, IZUMO1 and SPESP1 expression in spermatozoa could play a crucial role in achieving fertilisation during IVF. However, the size of our cohort was quite small, and our results need to be validated with quantitative methods in larger cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Ioana Enoiu
- The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, DK-2100, Denmark.,Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Marie Berg Nygaard
- The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, DK-2100, Denmark.,Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Mona Bungum
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Skåne University Hospital, Malmo, Sweden
| | - Søren Ziebe
- The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Morten R Petersen
- The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Kristian Almstrup
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, DK-2100, Denmark.,International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, DK-2100, Denmark.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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4
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Chen H, Shi X, Li X, Diao R, Ma Q, Jin J, Qiu Z, Li C, Yu MK, Wang C, Li X, Li F, Chan DYL, Zhao AZ, Cai Z, Sun F, Fok KL. CD147 deficiency is associated with impairedsperm motility/acrosome reaction and offersa therapeutic target for asthenozoospermia. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 26:1374-1386. [PMID: 34900396 PMCID: PMC8626663 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Patients with asthenozoospermia often present multiple defects in sperm functions apart from a decrease in sperm motility. However, the etiological factors underlying these multifaceted defects remain mostly unexplored, which may lead to unnecessary treatment and unsatisfactory assisted reproductive technologies (ART) outcome. Here, we show that the protein levels of CD147 were lowered in sperm obtained from asthenozoospermic infertile patients exhibiting defects in both sperm motility and the acrosome reaction. Whereas CD147 maintained sperm motility before capacitation, female tract-derived soluble CD147 interacted with sperm-bound CD147 to induce an acrosome reaction in capacitated sperm. Soluble CD147 treatment restored the acrosome reaction and improved the fertility of sperm from patients with asthenozoospermia. Mechanistically, CD147 promotes sperm motility and acrosome reaction (AR) by eliciting Ca2+ influx through soluble CD147 binding to sperm-bound CD147. Notably, the level of soluble CD147 in seminal plasma was positively correlated with the fertilization rate and pregnancy outcome in infertile couples undergoing in vitro fertilization. Our study has identified a marker for the diagnosis and a therapeutic target for the defective AR capability in asthenozoospermia and a candidate for the prediction of in vitro fertilization outcomes for male infertile patients that facilitates the development of precision medicine in ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Corresponding author: Hao Chen, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China.
| | - Xiao Shi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xiaofeng Li
- Department of Clinical Medical Laboratory, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Ruiying Diao
- Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518035, China
| | - Qian Ma
- Department of Clinical Medical Laboratory, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Jing Jin
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhuolin Qiu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Cailing Li
- Department of Clinical Medical Laboratory, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Mei Kuen Yu
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chaoqun Wang
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xianxin Li
- Department of Clinical Medical Laboratory, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, China
- Shenzhen Qianhai Taikang International Hospital, Shenzhen 518054, China
| | - Fanghong Li
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - David Yiu Leung Chan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Allan Zijian Zhao
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhiming Cai
- Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518035, China
- International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Kin Lam Fok
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Sichuan University—The Chinese University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Corresponding author: Kin Lam Fok, Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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5
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Vogiatzi P, Pouliakis A, Sakellariou M, Athanasiou A, Athanasiou A, Colaghis A, Finelli R, Loutradis D, Henkel R, Agarwal A. Male Age and Progressive Sperm Motility Are Critical Factors Affecting Embryological and Clinical Outcomes in Oocyte Donor ICSI Cycles. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:883-895. [PMID: 34782988 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00801-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This retrospective cohort study aimed to explore whether paternal age and semen quality parameters affect the embryological and clinical outcomes of ICSI with oocyte donation. A total of 339 oocyte donation (OD)-ICSI cycles were categorized into four groups according to the semen parameter profiles of the male counterparts: normozoospermia (NS, n = 184), oligozoospermia (OS, n = 41), asthenozoospermia (AS, n = 50), and oligoasthenozoospermia (OAS, n = 64). The effect of age, total sperm count, and progressive motility was separately analyzed for reproductive outcomes and compared between the study groups: fertilization, blastulation, and top-quality embryo rate, biochemical and clinical pregnancy, live birth, and miscarriage. A negative correlation between male age and fertilization rate was observed (rs = - 0.23, p < 0.0001), while male age was a significant factor for biochemical pregnancy (p = 0.0002), clinical pregnancy (p = 0.0017), and live birth (p = 0.0038). Reduced total sperm count and lowered progressive motility led to poorer fertilization rates (rs = 0.19 and 0.35, respectively, p < 0.0001) and affected embryo quality (rs = 0.13, p = 0.02, and rs = 0.22, p < 0.0001, respectively). OD-ICSI cycles with asthenozoospermia had significantly lowered success rates in biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, and live birth (p < 0.05). Our study demonstrated that both advanced male age and reduced progressive motility of spermatozoa exert a significant negative influence on the outcome of assisted reproduction, even in controlled procedures with gamete selection and optimization such as in OD-ICSI. Improvement in treatment strategies and male fertility evaluation requires incorporation of such evidence to obtain better prognosis towards personalized management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paraskevi Vogiatzi
- IVF Athens Reproduction Center, 5 Kifissias Avenue, 151 23, Maroussi, Greece. .,Andromed Health & Reproduction, Fertility Diagnostics Laboratory, 3 Mesogion Str, 15126, Maroussi, Greece.
| | - Abraham Pouliakis
- Second Department of Pathology, "Attikon" University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 1 Rimini Street, 12462, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Sakellariou
- IVF Athens Reproduction Center, 5 Kifissias Avenue, 151 23, Maroussi, Greece
| | | | | | - Alexandros Colaghis
- IVF Athens Reproduction Center, 5 Kifissias Avenue, 151 23, Maroussi, Greece
| | - Renata Finelli
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 10681 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Dimitrios Loutradis
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Alexandra" Maternity Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 80 Vassilissis Sophias Avenue, 115 28, Athens, Greece
| | - Ralf Henkel
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 10681 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.,Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2BX, UK.,Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Road, Bellville, 7535, South Africa
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 10681 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
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6
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Priskorn L, Tøttenborg SS, Almstrup K, Andersson AM, Axelsson J, Bräuner EV, Elenkov A, Freiesleben NLC, Giwercman YL, Grøndahl ML, Hansen AH, Hansen LS, Henic E, Kitlinski ML, Landersoe SK, Lindh C, Løkkegaard EL, Malm J, Olsen KW, Petersen KU, Schmidt L, Stormlund S, Svendsen PF, Vassard D, Wang NF, Zedeler A, Bhasin S, Chavarro J, Eisenberg ML, Hauser R, Huhtaniemi I, Krawetz SA, Marko-Varga G, Salonia A, Toppari J, Juul A, Jørgensen N, Nielsen HS, Pinborg A, Rylander L, Giwercman A. RUBIC (ReproUnion Biobank and Infertility Cohort): A binational clinical foundation to study risk factors, life course, and treatment of infertility and infertility-related morbidity. Andrology 2021; 9:1828-1842. [PMID: 34114375 PMCID: PMC10015988 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility affects 15%-25% of all couples during their reproductive life span. It is a significant societal and public health problem with potential psychological, social, and economic consequences. Furthermore, infertility has been linked to adverse long-term health outcomes. Despite the advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques available, approximately 30% of infertile couples do not obtain a live birth after fertility treatment. For these couples, there are no further options to increase their chances of a successful pregnancy and live birth. OBJECTIVES Three overall questions will be studied: (1) What are the risk factors and natural life courses of infertility, early embryonic loss, and adverse pregnancy outcomes? (2) Can we develop new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for fecundity and treatment success? And (3) what are the health characteristics of women and men in infertile couples at the time of fertility treatment and during long-term follow-up? MATERIAL AND METHODS ReproUnion Biobank and Infertility Cohort (RUBIC) is established as an add-on to the routine fertility management at Copenhagen University Hospital Departments in the Capital Region of Denmark and Reproductive Medicine Centre at Skåne University Hospital in Sweden. The aim is to include a total of 5000 couples equally distributed between Denmark and Sweden. The first patients were enrolled in June 2020. All eligible infertile couples are prospectively asked to participate in the project. Participants complete an extensive questionnaire and undergo a physical examination and collection of biospecimens (blood, urine, hair, saliva, rectal swabs, feces, semen, endometrial biopsies, and vaginal swabs). After the cohort is established, the couples will be linked to the Danish and Swedish national registers to obtain information on parental, perinatal, childhood, and adult life histories, including disease and medication history. This will enable us to understand the causes of infertility and identify novel therapeutic options for this important societal problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laerke Priskorn
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sandra Søgaard Tøttenborg
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristian Almstrup
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna-Maria Andersson
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jonatan Axelsson
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Elvira Vaclavik Bräuner
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Angel Elenkov
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Nina la Cour Freiesleben
- The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital - Amager and Hvidovre, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Marie Louise Grøndahl
- Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ann Holm Hansen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Laura Smidt Hansen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Emir Henic
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | | | - Selma Kloeve Landersoe
- Fertility Department, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Amager and Hvidovre, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian Lindh
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ellen Leth Løkkegaard
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Copenhagen University Hospital - North Zealand, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Johan Malm
- Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | | | - Kajsa Uglevig Petersen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lone Schmidt
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sacha Stormlund
- Fertility Department, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pernille Fog Svendsen
- Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ditte Vassard
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nathalie Friis Wang
- Fertility Department, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne Zedeler
- Fertility Department, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Shalender Bhasin
- Research Program in Men's Health: Aging and Metabolism, Boston Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jorge Chavarro
- Departments of Nutrition and Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael L Eisenberg
- Department of Urology and Obstetrics & Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Russ Hauser
- Departments of Environmental Health and Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ilpo Huhtaniemi
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Stephen A Krawetz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Andrea Salonia
- Graduate School of Urology, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.,Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrated Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henriette Svarre Nielsen
- The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital - Amager and Hvidovre, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anja Pinborg
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Fertility Department, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Rylander
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Aleksander Giwercman
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
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7
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Rahban R, Rehfeld A, Schiffer C, Brenker C, Egeberg Palme DL, Wang T, Lorenz J, Almstrup K, Skakkebaek NE, Strünker T, Nef S. The antidepressant Sertraline inhibits CatSper Ca2+ channels in human sperm. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:2638-2648. [PMID: 34486673 PMCID: PMC8450872 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants affect the function of human sperm? SUMMARY ANSWER The SSRI antidepressant Sertraline (e.g. Zoloft) inhibits the sperm-specific Ca2+ channel CatSper and affects human sperm function in vitro. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In human sperm, CatSper translates changes of the chemical microenvironment into changes of the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and swimming behavior. CatSper is promiscuously activated by oviductal ligands, but also by synthetic chemicals that might disturb the fertilization process. It is well known that SSRIs have off-target actions on Ca2+, Na+ and K+ channels in somatic cells. Whether SSRIs affect the activity of CatSper is, however, unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We studied the action of the seven drugs belonging to the most commonly prescribed class of antidepressants, SSRIs, on resting [Ca2+]i and Ca2+ influx via CatSper in human sperm. The SSRI Sertraline was selected for in-depth analysis of its action on steroid-, prostaglandin-, pH- and voltage-activation of human CatSper. Moreover, the action of Sertraline on sperm acrosomal exocytosis and penetration into viscous media was evaluated. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The activity of CatSper was investigated in sperm of healthy volunteers, using kinetic Ca2+ fluorimetry and patch-clamp recordings. Acrosomal exocytosis was investigated using Pisum sativum agglutinin and image cytometry. Sperm penetration in viscous media was evaluated using the Kremer test. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Several SSRIs affected [Ca2+]i and attenuated ligand-induced Ca2+ influx via CatSper. In particular, the SSRI Sertraline almost completely suppressed Ca2+ influx via CatSper. Remarkably, the drug was about four-fold more potent to suppress prostaglandin- versus steroid-induced Ca2+ influx. Sertraline also suppressed alkaline- and voltage-activation of CatSper, indicating that the drug directly inhibits the channel. Finally, Sertraline impaired ligand-induced acrosome reaction and sperm penetration into viscous media. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This is an in vitro study. Future studies have to assess the physiological relevance in vivo. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The off-target action of Sertraline on CatSper in human sperm might impair the fertilization process. In a research setting, Sertraline may be used to selectively inhibit prostaglandin-induced Ca2+ influx. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), the Département de l’Instruction Publique of the State of Geneva, the German Research Foundation (CRU326), the Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, Münster (IZKF; Str/014/21), the Innovation Fund Denmark (grant numbers 14-2013-4) and the EDMaRC research grant from the Kirsten and Freddy Johansen’s Foundation. The authors declare that no conflict of interest could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Rahban
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anders Rehfeld
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, University of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian Schiffer
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Christoph Brenker
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Tao Wang
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.,Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, PR China
| | - Johannes Lorenz
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Kristian Almstrup
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, University of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels E Skakkebaek
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, University of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Timo Strünker
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Serge Nef
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology, Basel, Switzerland
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8
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Rasmussen JJ, Albrethsen J, Frandsen MN, Jørgensen N, Juul A, Kistorp C. Serum Insulin-like Factor 3 Levels Are Reduced in Former Androgen Users, Suggesting Impaired Leydig Cell Capacity. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:e2664-e2672. [PMID: 33693710 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Illicit use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) is frequently observed in men and is associated with subsequent testosterone deficiency although the long-term effect on gonadal function is still unclear. Serum insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) has been suggested to be a superior biomarker of Leydig cell secretory capacity compared to testosterone. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate serum INSL3 concentrations in AAS users. METHODS This community-based, cross-sectional study included men aged 18 to 50 years, involved in recreational strength training and allocated to 1 of 3 groups: never-AAS users as controls (n = 44), current (n = 46), or former AAS users (n = 42) with an average duration since AAS cessation of 32 (23 ; 45) months. RESULTS Serum INSL3 was lower in current AAS users and former AAS users than in controls, median (interquartile range), 0.04 µg/L (nondetectable [ND]-0.07 µg/L) and 0.39 µg/L (0.24-0.62 µg/L) vs 0.59 µg/L (0.45-0.72 µg/L), P less than .001. Former AAS users exhibited lower serum INSL3 levels than controls in a multivariable linear regression even after adjusting for serum total testosterone (TT) and other relevant confounders, (B) (95% CI), -0.16 µg/L (95% CI, -0.29 to -0.04 µg/L), P equal to .011. INSL3 and TT were not associated in the model, P equal to .821. Longer accumulated AAS duration (log2) was associated with lower serum INSL3 in former AAS users, (B) (95% CI), -0.08 (95% CI, -0.14 to -0.01), P equal to .022. Serum INSL3, but not inhibin B or testosterone, was associated with testicular size in a multivariate linear regression, (B) (95% CI); 4.7 (95% CI, 0.5 to 8.9), P equal to .030. CONCLUSION Serum INSL3 is reduced years following AAS cessation in men, independently of testosterone, suggesting persistently impaired Leydig cell capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Jarløv Rasmussen
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jakob Albrethsen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Centre for Research and Research Training in Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | | | - Niels Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Centre for Research and Research Training in Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Centre for Research and Research Training in Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, Denmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Caroline Kistorp
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Rubes J, Sipek J, Kopecka V, Musilova P, Vozdova M, Prinosilova P, Topinka J, Pastorkova A, Svecova V, Sram RJ. The effects of age on DNA fragmentation, the condensation of chromatin and conventional semen parameters in healthy nonsmoking men exposed to traffic air pollution. Health Sci Rep 2021; 4:e260. [PMID: 33732896 PMCID: PMC7942397 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous studies have investigated age-based declines in semen traits, but the impact of paternal age on semen parameter values remains inconclusive. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to detect an impact of age on semen quality was studied in healthy nonsmoking men exposed to traffic air pollution. METHODS Semen samples from 150 Prague City policemen aged 23 to 63 years were examined for standard semen parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation and high DNA stainability. RESULTS A significant positive correlation was found between age and %DFI (r = .359, P < .001), and negative correlations were found between age and sperm vitality (r = -.247, P < .001), the % acrosome-intact sperm (r = -.202, P = .013) and the % normal sperm heads (r = -.204, P = .012). A weak but significant negative correlation was found for high DNA stainability (% HDS) vs age (r = -.161, P = .050). No significant correlation was detected between male age and the other investigated semen quality parameters. At ages of 23 to 30, 31 to 40, 41 to 50, and 51 to 63 years, the mean %DFI values were 12.7 ± 7.18, 14.7 ± 7.42, 19.6 ± 11.25, and 34.2 ± 15.08, respectively. CONCLUSION Our study shows a strong relationship (P < .001) between the age of men and sperm DNA fragmentation in an occupational cohort at risk of exposure to heavy traffic-related air pollution in a large city center.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiri Rubes
- Department of Genetics and ReproductionCentral European Institute of Technology‐Veterinary Research InstituteBrnoCzech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Sipek
- Department of Genetics and ReproductionCentral European Institute of Technology‐Veterinary Research InstituteBrnoCzech Republic
| | - Vera Kopecka
- Department of Genetics and ReproductionCentral European Institute of Technology‐Veterinary Research InstituteBrnoCzech Republic
| | - Petra Musilova
- Department of Genetics and ReproductionCentral European Institute of Technology‐Veterinary Research InstituteBrnoCzech Republic
| | - Miluse Vozdova
- Department of Genetics and ReproductionCentral European Institute of Technology‐Veterinary Research InstituteBrnoCzech Republic
| | - Petra Prinosilova
- Department of Genetics and ReproductionCentral European Institute of Technology‐Veterinary Research InstituteBrnoCzech Republic
| | - Jan Topinka
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and EpigeneticsInstitute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of SciencePragueCzech Republic
| | - Anna Pastorkova
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and EpigeneticsInstitute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of SciencePragueCzech Republic
| | - Vlasta Svecova
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and EpigeneticsInstitute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of SciencePragueCzech Republic
| | - Radim J. Sram
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and EpigeneticsInstitute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of SciencePragueCzech Republic
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10
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Norup PB, Egeberg Palme DL, Petersen MR, Main KM, Almstrup K. The Acrosomal Status of Density Purified Spermatozoa Differentiates Men from Couples in IVF and ICSI Treatment and Is Associated with Fecundity. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9082327. [PMID: 32707804 PMCID: PMC7464336 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9082327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The acrosome of the spermatozoa is required for fertilization and in the raw ejaculate the percentage of viable acrosome-intact spermatozoa, the acrosomal status, is higher among men with good semen quality. Here we investigated if the acrosomal status of the processed semen preparations used at a fertility clinic can also be informative and whether it is associated with fecundity. The acrosomal status was measured by image cytometry on purified semen samples from couples during in vitro fertilization (IVF) (n = 99) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) (n = 107) treatment. Purified frozen-thawed donor samples were also analyzed (n = 199). In purified semen preparations the acrosomal status was significantly higher among sperm donors (p = 5.3 × 10-8) and men from IVF couples (p = 2.2 × 10-5) when compared to men from ICSI couples. A significant difference was also found between female, male and mixed factor infertility (p = 0.003). No association with lifestyle factors was found. In frozen-thawed donor samples, a significant positive (r = 0.16, p = 0.025) association with the number of pregnancies per sold straw was observed together with an area under the curve of 75.3%, when comparing the top and bottom deciles. Our results indicate that the acrosomal status may be a valuable parameter for personalizing fertility treatments and might be a good predictor of pregnancy success among normozoospermic men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pernille Badsberg Norup
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (P.B.N.); (K.M.M.)
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Morten R. Petersen
- The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Katharina M. Main
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (P.B.N.); (K.M.M.)
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristian Almstrup
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (P.B.N.); (K.M.M.)
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +45-35-45-66-39
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11
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Xu F, Zhu H, Zhu W, Fan L. Human sperm acrosomal status, acrosomal responsiveness, and acrosin are predictive of the outcomes of in vitro fertilization: A prospective cohort study. Reprod Biol 2018; 18:344-354. [PMID: 30420163 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2018.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The sperm acrosome reaction (AR) is a physiological secretory course of membrane fusion and hydrolytic enzymes, as well as matrix protein release, enabling spermatozoa to penetrate the egg surroundings. An instable acrosomal status before a specific stimulus, insufficient acrosomal responsiveness, or inadequate enzymatic activity of acrosomal content can be detrimental to male fertility. This prospective cohort study was designed to determine whether three human sperm acrosome evaluation parameters-including spontaneous AR rate, AR after calcium ionophore A23187 challenge (ARIC) rate, and modified Kennedy acrosin activity-can predict fertilization outcomes in vitro and are correlated with male characteristics. A total of 485 eligible couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) therapy were included in two phases of this study. In a 'construction phase', three acrosome evaluation parameters were determined simultaneously in 132 cases, whereas in a 'validation phase', the spontaneous AR rate was determined in 353 cases. The results of the 'construction phase' revealed that the spontaneous AR rate was the only significant predictor of fertilization outcome (unadjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.53-0.88, P = 0.003; adjusted OR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.43-0.95, P = 0.03), and the cut-off value for total fertilization failure (TFF) prediction, determined by ROC curve analysis, was 9.91%; higher acrosin activity was shown to predict a higher fertilization rate only when patients were divided into groups (≥25 μIU/106 spermatozoa, 14-25 μIU/106 spermatozoa, <14 μIU/106 spermatozoa). The spontaneous AR rate was negatively correlated with sperm motility, forward progression motility, and normal morphology; modified Kennedy acrosin activity was positively correlated with normal morphology; and the ARIC rate was not correlated with any of the male characteristics. A similar result was obtained for the spontaneous AR rate in the 'validation phase', and the cut-off value in predicting TFF was calibrated for 9.52%. Clinically, patients can voluntarily choose spontaneous AR rate alone or in combination with modified Kennedy acrosin activity to predict TFF, and early rescue intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), half ICSI, or full ICSI should be considered in advance for men with spontaneous AR rates ≥9.52% or spontaneous AR rates ≥9.52% and AE activities <25 μIU/106 spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Xu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hailun Zhu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wenbing Zhu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, China; Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Liqing Fan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, China; Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China.
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12
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Nygaard MB, Herlihy AS, Jeanneau C, Nielsen JE, Bennett EP, Jørgensen N, Clausen H, Mandel U, Rajpert-De Meyts E, Almstrup K. Expression of the O-Glycosylation Enzyme GalNAc-T3 in the Equatorial Segment Correlates with the Quality of Spermatozoa. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E2949. [PMID: 30262754 PMCID: PMC6212898 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19102949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
We question whether the expression of GalNAc-T3, the only known O-GalNAc-transferase present in germ cells, is correlated with qualitative and functional parameters of spermatozoa. We investigated the expression of GalNAc-T3 in ejaculated spermatozoa with immunocytochemistry in swim-up purified and acrosome-reacted spermatozoa from quality-control semen donors and in semen samples from 206 randomly selected men representing a broad spectrum of semen quality. Using donor ejaculates and immunofluorescence detection we found that expression of GalNAc-T3 and the presence of the immature O-glycans Tn and T localized to the equatorial segment of spermatozoa. The proportion of GalNAc-T3-positive spermatozoa in the ejaculate increased after swim-up and appeared unaffected by induction of acrosomal exocytosis. The fraction of spermatozoa with equatorial expression of GalNAc-T3 correlated with classical semen parameters (concentration p = 9 × 10-6, morphology p = 7 × 10-8, and motility p = 1.8 × 10-5) and was significantly lower in men with oligoteratoasthenozoospermia (p = 0.0048). In conclusion, GalNAc-T3 was highly expressed by motile spermatozoa and the expression correlated positively with the classical semen parameters. Therefore, GalNAc-T3 expression seems related to the quality of the spermatozoa, and we propose that reduced expression of GalNAc-T3 may lead to impaired O-glycosylation of proteins and thereby abnormal maturation and reduced functionality of the spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie B Nygaard
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
- The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
| | - Amy S Herlihy
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
| | - Charlotte Jeanneau
- Copenhagen Center for Glycomics, Departments of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Odontology, Faculty of health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark.
| | - John E Nielsen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
| | - Eric Paul Bennett
- Copenhagen Center for Glycomics, Departments of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Odontology, Faculty of health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark.
| | - Niels Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
| | - Henrik Clausen
- Copenhagen Center for Glycomics, Departments of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Odontology, Faculty of health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark.
| | - Ulla Mandel
- Copenhagen Center for Glycomics, Departments of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Odontology, Faculty of health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark.
| | - Ewa Rajpert-De Meyts
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
| | - Kristian Almstrup
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
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